Flights to Tokyo — What to Expect
Flying from Europe to Tokyo means settling in for a long haul — typically 11 to 14 hours depending on your departure city and whether your flight is direct or routed through a hub. Most flights from Europe land at Narita International Airport (NRT), about 60km east of central Tokyo, though Haneda Airport (HND) is increasingly popular for international routes and sits far closer to the city — around 30 minutes by rail versus Narita's 60–90 minutes. If you have the choice, Haneda is almost always the better arrival experience. For cheap flights to Tokyo from Europe, expect to pay anywhere from €550 to €950 in economy class during off-peak periods, with prices climbing well above €1,200 during cherry blossom season and Golden Week in late April. Book 3–5 months out for the best Tokyo flight deals.
Several carriers operate flights from European cities to Tokyo. Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) are the flag carriers and consistently rank among the best long-haul airlines in the world — both in terms of service and punctuality. For budget-conscious travelers, Finnair routes flights from European cities via Helsinki with competitive fares. Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and British Airways all operate flights from their respective hubs to Tokyo, often with a layover. If you're searching for flights from London to Tokyo, British Airways flies direct from Heathrow to Haneda. From Paris or Amsterdam, Air France and KLM offer solid connections. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is worth checking for price — it adds time but can be significantly cheaper.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Tokyo has a genuine four-season climate, and when you go shapes the entire experience. Late March to early May is the most iconic window — cherry blossoms (sakura) peak in late March to early April, turning parks like Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Imperial Palace grounds into something genuinely extraordinary. Temperatures sit between 9–23°C, which is comfortable for walking long distances. The catch: this is peak season, and both crowds and flight prices reflect it. May is a sweet spot — flowers are gone, tourists thin out, weather is lovely, and prices drop back down. June to August is hot, sticky, and humid. Highs regularly exceed 30°C with heat index values pushing 38°C or higher. The rainy season runs mid-June through late July. It's not constant rain, but combined with the heat, summer is genuinely uncomfortable for city exploration. Budget travelers sometimes target summer for cheaper flights to Tokyo — just factor in extra hydration and indoor time. September through November is arguably Tokyo's best-kept secret. Early fall is warm and sunny; by November the city lights up with autumn foliage (koyo), and the crowds are far more manageable than spring. Temperatures drop to a pleasant 8–22°C. December through February is cold but not brutal — highs around 10–12°C, lows near freezing. Snow is rare in central Tokyo. Winter means low flight prices, minimal crowds, and cozy ramen season. It's an underrated time to visit if you don't mind layering up.
Getting Around Tokyo
From Narita Airport, your best bet into the city is the Narita Express (N'EX) — a direct train to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station in about 60–90 minutes, costing around ¥3,000–¥4,000 (€18–€25). The Keisei Skyliner to Ueno is faster and slightly cheaper at around ¥2,520. From Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line gets you into the city in 20–30 minutes for under ¥600. Once inside Tokyo, the train network is extraordinary. The JR Yamanote Line loops around the major districts — Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara, Ueno, Ikebukuro — and a single ride is typically ¥170–¥200. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport and top it up as needed; it works on virtually every train, subway, and many buses. Google Maps handles Tokyo transit beautifully. Taxis are clean and reliable but expensive — save them for late nights when trains stop around midnight.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo's neighborhoods each have a distinct personality, and location genuinely matters. Shinjuku is the central hub — best transport connections, huge variety of hotels from budget capsule hotels to the Park Hyatt (yes, that one from Lost in Translation). Budget travelers do well in Asakusa, the old downtown district, where guesthouses and mid-range hotels cluster around Senso-ji Temple. It's atmospheric, walkable, and well-connected. Shibuya suits first-timers who want to be near the famous crossing and plenty of nightlife. Ginza is Tokyo's luxury retail district — premium hotels, premium prices. For something between trendy and liveable, Shimokitazawa or Nakameguro offer boutique guesthouses, excellent cafes, and a more local feel. Budget options (capsule hotels, hostels) start around €30–€50 per night. Mid-range business hotels like Dormy Inn or APA Hotel run €80–€130 and are consistently clean and reliable. Upscale stays at the Aman Tokyo, The Peninsula, or Park Hyatt start around €400–€700 per night.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
- Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa: Tokyo's oldest temple, best visited early morning before the crowds arrive. The Nakamise shopping street leading up to it is lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
- Tsukiji Outer Market: The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market still delivers outstanding fresh sushi and street food for breakfast. Get there before 9am.
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Stand on the rooftop observation deck at Mag's Park or inside Starbucks for the overhead view. It's exactly as impressive as advertised.
- teamLab Planets or Borderless: Immersive digital art installations that are genuinely unlike anything else — book well in advance, these sell out weeks ahead.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: The best park in the city, particularly during cherry blossom season. Alcohol is not permitted inside, which keeps the atmosphere calm.
- Day trip to Nikko or Kamakura: Both are under two hours by train. Nikko has ornate shrines deep in forested mountains; Kamakura has the Great Buddha and coastal temples.
Practical Travel Tips
Visa: EU and UK passport holders do not need a visa for Japan for stays up to 90 days — you receive a tourist stamp on arrival. Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation details. Currency: Japan remains predominantly cash-based. The yen (¥) is the currency; withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs or Japan Post Bank machines, which reliably accept foreign cards. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants but don't count on them in smaller shops and local eateries. Tipping: Do not tip in Japan. It's not customary and can cause genuine confusion or offence — exceptional service is simply the baseline expectation. Safety: Tokyo is exceptionally safe. Petty crime is rare, and it's one of the few major global cities where you can walk alone late at night without concern. Connectivity: Rent a pocket WiFi device or buy a data SIM at the airport — both options are affordable (€4–€8 per day) and essential for navigating the transit system.
FAQ — Flights to Tokyo
How much do flights to Tokyo cost?
Flights to Tokyo from major European cities typically range from €550 to €950 return in economy during off-peak periods. During cherry blossom season (late March to April) and Golden Week (late April to early May), prices can push above €1,200–€1,400. Winter months — particularly January and February — tend to offer the best Tokyo flight deals, sometimes dipping below €500 from certain hubs. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights with flexible date settings to compare the full range.
Which airlines fly to Tokyo?
Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA are the primary carriers and offer excellent service on the long-haul route. European airlines including British Airways (London Heathrow to Haneda direct), Lufthansa (Frankfurt and Munich to Tokyo), Air France (Paris CDG), KLM (Amsterdam), and Finnair (Helsinki) all operate regular services. Turkish Airlines routes via Istanbul and is frequently one of the most affordable options for flights from Europe to Tokyo, though travel time increases by 2–4 hours.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Tokyo?
January and February are consistently the cheapest months for flights to Tokyo. Demand drops sharply after the December holiday period, and Japan's winter — while cold — is clear, dry, and manageable. Late August and September (post-summer, pre-fall foliage) also see a dip in prices. Avoid booking during cherry blossom season (late March to April) and Golden Week (late April) if price is your priority — these are the most expensive periods by a significant margin.
How long is the flight to Tokyo from London?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda on British Airways take approximately 11 hours 30 minutes westbound (London to Tokyo) and around 13 hours on the return, due to jet stream patterns. Flights from other European hubs with a connection add 2–4 hours total travel time depending on layover duration. From Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam, non-stop flight time to Tokyo is roughly 11–12 hours. Haneda's proximity to central Tokyo means total door-to-door time is noticeably shorter than routing through Narita.